US President Donald Trump warned that Tehran’s rejection of his administration’s demands meant the already tenuous ceasefire is now “unbelievably weak”, and called Iran’s counter-offer ‘garbage’. Meanwhile Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who served as chief negotiator in previous talks with Washington, said shortly afterwards that his country was prepared ‘for any eventuality.’ Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.
Trump calling Iran’s counter-offer ‘garbage’ isn’t going to help de-escalate anything. The Strait of Hormuz being closed is a disaster for global oil prices.
Ghalibaf saying Iran is prepared ‘for any eventuality’ sounds like a veiled threat. With the ceasefire already ‘unbelievably weak,’ we’re probably heading toward conflict.
Why does Trump think calling their proposal garbage will get Iran to negotiate? That just hardens their stance, and now the Strait of Hormuz stays closed.
The ceasefire was already tenuous, and now Trump basically killed it. At least Iran’s speaker is being honest about preparing for anything—we should be too.
If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed much longer, every country is going to feel the economic pinch. Both sides need to get back to the table seriously.
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